Developing Applications with Cursor AI: Developer Insights and Practical Approaches
I have compiled this article based on Kemal Ersin's tweet in Turkish and my own adventure in developing Microservices-based applications with Ruby(RoR). Of course, I also used the AI model to make it more readable.
Kemal Ersin’s Tweet
Developers are increasingly drawn to working with AI-powered tools. While this new technology is undoubtedly exciting, it also comes with its challenges and learning curves. This article, based on the experience of developing an application with Cursor AI, explores the advantages, disadvantages, and practical uses of AI-powered tools. It also provides recommendations for effectively using AI in complex projects.
Why AI-Powered Development?
Software development is often a mentally and time-intensive process. For solo developers, managing both project oversight and technical details can be overwhelming. In this context, AI-powered tools offer a significant opportunity to ease the difficulty of getting started and to guide through complex processes.
Tools like Cursor AI can streamline various stages of software development, such as data collection, modeling, API creation, and user interface design. However, achieving optimal results with these tools requires a well-defined strategy.
Using Cursor AI: Getting Started
Cursor AI’s Composer/Agent mode provides developers with the ability to build applications from scratch. However, there are key points to keep in mind during this process:
Defining Project Layers:
Design your application using a modular approach. For instance, create separate layers for data collection, API, and user interface. Treating each layer as an independent project helps prevent AI from losing context.
Effective Communication:
AI models perform best with clear and specific instructions. Use logical and detailed expressions when writing code or providing scenarios.
Staying Focused:
Avoid unnecessary conversations. When working with Cursor AI, asking directly about code and project-related queries yields more productive results.
Application Example: Personal Budget Management Application
In the process of developing a personal budget management application with Cursor AI, the following steps were taken:
Data Collection:
Modules were created to record users' income and expenses. Cursor AI analyzed this data structure and designed a MySQL database schema categorized by user inputs.
Backend Development:
A Node.js API was written to integrate with the database. The API was structured to manage income and expenses, generate monthly budget reports, and set monthly spending limits. Cursor AI also prepared a Swagger-based API documentation during this process.
Frontend Development:
A React + Tailwind interface was built to allow users to track their budget goals. This interface included visualizations of expenditures and was designed for a user-friendly experience. Cursor AI contributed with design suggestions as well.
Challenges and Solutions
Losing Focus:
Cursor AI can lose context in long conversations. Starting a new session and asking the AI to reanalyze the project from scratch can be an effective solution.
Inconsistencies in Code Quality:
Regularly review the codebase and make corrections when necessary. Accepting AI-generated code as-is without evaluating it can lead to inefficiencies.
Algorithm Development Difficulties:
AI may struggle with complex algorithms. In such cases, provide detailed explanations of how the algorithm should work and be prepared to intervene manually if needed.
AI “Personality Shifts”:
In long conversations, the AI model might provide inconsistent responses or forget previous contexts. To mitigate this, periodically clear the session history and reestablish context.
Practical Tips
Break Projects into Modules:
Instead of attempting the entire project in one session, work on small modules. This helps maintain context and makes the process more manageable.
Provide Detailed Guidance:
Explain your desired outcome in detail. Offering a clear framework for the AI to write code ensures more consistent outputs.
Review the Code:
Always review AI-generated code and make adjustments if necessary. This improves code quality and reduces errors.
Refresh Conversations:
If you notice the model providing inconsistent responses, don’t hesitate to start a new conversation. Clearing the complexity of older sessions can make the AI more effective.
Manage Costs and Resources:
Use Cursor AI’s premium request limits judiciously. Avoid asking the AI to execute trivial tasks like terminal commands, and reserve requests for critical operations.
Conclusion
Cursor AI is a powerful tool for rapidly and effectively developing the core components of an application. However, success depends on how well you guide the AI and maintain control over the process. While it reduces the initial burden in simple projects, complex projects require detailed planning and management skills.
AI-powered development can be an invaluable aid for developers. However, without understanding the tool’s limits and methods, and without managing expectations, it can be challenging to fully leverage its potential. Before starting with Cursor AI, remember to stay open to learning and discovery throughout the process.